Nursing school or Paramedic school first?

applejackcrunch · Jul 14, 2014

I know quite a few people who started out in EMT programs and then gained experience while in nursing school. That would be the route I would choose if I was interested in that kind of career, at least.

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN · Jul 14, 2014

BSN is the minimum for employment more and more, so don't waste your time; go for it the most expeditious way possible, and get it done first. That way you can be working as a BSN RN while you pursue your Wilderness Med stuff (below).

I know lots of flight nurses and I doubt that every air ambulance company requires them to have both RN and paramedic certification, though I am willing to be corrected if I am wrong. There are several advanced ER nursing certifications that they would require, though, like ACLS, PALS, certification in ER or ICU nursing, etc. You can work ER/ICU and acquire those on the hospital's dime if you are already an employed RN.

You can take NOLS or Stonehearth Outdoor Learning Opportunities' (SOLO) Wilderness First Aid (16 hour course, one weekend) and progress to their Wilderness First Responder (80 hours, four weekends plus some extra) and then Wilderness Paramedic level (800 hour course); people can do that without being nurses. Great programs. Check them out.

I do hope you're not thinking you'll be doing all of this in just a few years, right? I mean, you're looking at a long-term commitment here.

Strazku · Jul 15, 2014

Thank you both for your input!

GrnTea, Yes, I'm fully aware that it will take me many years to get to where I'm wanting to be, and that's okay. This IS a long term commitment, I just wish I had pursued it earlier as I am not getting any younger, haha. I'm not really looking for the quickest route, but the route that that will make the most efficient nurse and help me perform my job to it's maximum capacity. I am also aware that in order to get to where I want it's going to take experience, especially if I do flight nursing.

I have been looking at NOLS' courses but they filled up pretty early. And this is the first recommendation I have seen for SOLO, so I will check them out.

If I'm not mistaken, you're suggestion is to shoot for BSN then follow through with ER certifications and potential Paramedic training (if needed)? I would honestly rather receive my EMT/Paramedic training through the wilderness leadership schools anyway, since I can get a lot of my search and rescue certs that way. It's just a matter of funds and proper scheduling.

Thank you again for your input, it is all greatly appreciated.

auscultate · Jul 15, 2014

Flight Nursing=Paramedic + ICU Nursing Experience/Critical Care Transport (From a Level 1 or 2) hospital.

Doesnt matter what road you want to take there. Nearly all paramedics will tell you to go the nursing route first per pay/stability. Plus as an RN you have the option to do critical care transport once you get some street experience (first responder/EMTB) If you can do EMT B in semester BEFORE you start nursing school its highly recommended. If you're not working at all and have zero responsibilities then go for the EMT Basic and first semester of nursing at the same time as long as you're not taking anything else. For example do not take EMT Basic + Nursing + Anatomy/English or whatever other first semester classes you've missed.

If you cant do any of the above volunteer at the fire department when you're able to and respond to calls, that way people in EMS in the community can start to get to know you. EMS in any area is a tight community and is often integrated with whatever ER is nearby. For example you'll see a lot of ER staff volunteering for the fire department/rescue squad.

Ramcharger310, ASN, CNA, RN, EMT-B · Jul 16, 2014

Much easier to go from Nursing to Paramedics than the other way around. Contact whoever governs your EMT (Dept. of Public Health?) licensing in your state and find out the requirements.

In California, RNs, Navy Corpsman and even LVNs/LPNs can challenge the EMT-B exam after taking the annual refresher course. https://www.cpc.mednet.ucla.edu/course/emt-challenge

If your an RN, take this class ---> https://ems.creighton.edu/training-certification/paramedic-certification-healthcare-providers-0

and you can sit for the paramedic exam 2 weeks later.

This nursing to paramedic bridge program is closer to me, but is about 4 weeks long ( oh the horror!). https://www.cpc.mednet.ucla.edu/course/rntopm

NeoNatMom · Jul 16, 2014

Idk how long EMT/Paramedic programs are. My school offers a bridge from that to ADN :) Does a school around you offer this? If so, regardless of if it is ADN or BSN, take that one so it plays into both of your goals. If it is ADN and your ultimate goal requires a BSN level education, then you can bridge already having EMT/Paramdeic education as well as some basic ADN education to gain experience in the field while bridging online.

AS far as Nursing....Does your ultimate goal require and ADN or BSN or does it not matter? That could buy you time if you didnt have the EMT Bridge option available. If I could answer you now from what little I know of EMT, I'd say to go with your RN first. It is better financial-wise if you have to eventually pay for your tuition or already do.

Hope this helps, great ambitions you have, blessings :)

Strazku · Jul 16, 2014

Thank you all for the wonderful information you have provided! Everything so far has been very insightful.

Unfortunately there aren't any Paramedic to ASN bridge courses offered in the area. There are, however, plenty of RN to EMT and RN to BSN programs in the area.

After doing a bit of research for RN jobs in my area, it seems that most hospitals DO require or prefer a BSN, and I even remember some of the instructors saying that the requirements from the hospitals are going to change to a BSN. A paramedic friend recently stated that the EMT/Paramedic program in Tennessee is about to be revamped, so perhaps holding off until after it changes would be my best bet? Not sure yet, just an idea to consider.

If anyone else has any more information or feedback, please feel free to share, the more information the better! Thanks again to everyone who has contributed so far!

NeoNatMom · Jul 16, 2014

Is the RN to EMT bridge with a BSN? If so, just do that one. If not, then I would talk to someone in advisement at your school. They can tell you what will be the best route to take, the fastest, and perhaps the most economically sound option. Whereabouts do you live? Check pay for EMT/Paramedics vs BSN-RNs in your area. I'd be proactive and look at least 2 years into the future. Actually, that's the best advise I can give you; ask yourself, "Where do I want to be career wise in at least 2 years?". Then think 3, 4, 5 etc. What position do you lean towards more (do you find one any more appealing than the other?)? If there is an answer, chose that one, because even if one pays better, you may not be satisfied in it.

Hope this helps!

Blessings!